29/07/2026
From Patient to Nurse: The Story of Irish
When I was a kid, I hated how my voice sounded. I only listen to the mean words other kids say about me and let their unkind words hurt me deeply. For a long time, I lived with a heavy heart and kept silent. But I learned to change that.
Just like other kids born with a cleft, I wasnโt an exception. My childhood was mostly all about me being bullied, being left out countless times, made fun of because of how I look and it traumatized me, and it took a toll on my mental health. At that time, my heart was too small to understand why this was happening or why the world was so cruel. I just always cry at night and ask God why He let this happen to meโof all the kids, why He chose me to have this condition.
But God blessed me with a strong and courageous mother. She never gave up and never got tired of reminding me that I have to be strong just like her and to always choose kindness despite how bad the people around me were.
Prior to knowing NCFPI, I had already undergone 4 surgeries from different surgeons and institutions. Even then, my cleft palate was still open at 12 years old. My mother brought me to OLPCC to consult for my teeth alignment with Dr. Tansipek. My mother was hesitant at first because the said that the procedure is very complicated. However, she saw how willing and determined I was, so we went through the process and it was successful. A year later, I had an alveolar bone graft (ABG), which was necessary so I could get braces to align my teeth.
Later in my teenage years, as I began to build my confidence, I realized that external opinions don't matter. I began to accept my condition, I learned to close my ears to negativity and just appreciate how beautiful I am. From that time on, I've mastered the art of being unbothered by what insignificant people say, accepting that not everyone will like youโand thatโs okay. With that confidence, and by choosing what was closest to my heart, I took up BS in Nursing. Finishing my studies on time and being able to enjoy the journey was fulfilling enough for me, but by Godโs grace, He gave me more than what I wanted, I graduated Cum Laude.
After more than 6 years of having braces, it's finally time for me to have Orthognathic surgery (OGS) to fix my underbite. This surgery hasnโt been easy, from waiting for a schedule to the recovery itself. It took a lot of prayers and patience, but thankfully, God made a way. I postponed my board exam last year because I thought I would have the surgery then, but due to various circumstances, it was rescheduled many times. Despite the emotional roller coaster, I took the February 2026 board exam, through prayers & faith, I passed! A month after the results came out, I was finally given a date for my OGS. I even had the chance to attend my oath-taking ceremony just four days before my hospital admission in April this year.
My journey has been really challenging, but it is a testament that sadness, fear, and anxiety will always be there, but your courage can cast them all aside. Every day I prayed for strength, but God didnโt just make me stronger; He sent people to be with me. I am so blessed to have a supportive family, friends, and my NCFPI family. I gained the confidence I have today because of themโespecially thanks to my extraordinary & talented plastic surgeon, Dr. Bernard Tansipek, my fairy godmother & kind-hearted orthodontist, Dr. Crysoine Marquez-Cruz, and the very supportive Ms. Gina Sevilla for her assistance with every milestone Iโve been through.
To everyone with a unique & challenging condition. The world is cruel enough, so make your mind a happy place, always choose to be kind to yourself. We are not born to blend in but we are born to stand out. You are not alone, youโll eventually find the right friends that will make you feel that life is worth living. I do still have a long journey ahead and will continue to encounter many challenges, but we will keep going and praying.
